Watford target Lemina appreciative of top-flight attention

Watford transfer target Mario Lemina is flattered by the interest from Premier League clubs, and believes now is the perfect time to develop his career.

The Juventus midfielder has been in Turin since 2015 having signed from Marseille and, despite having a contract seeing him through until 2020, is rumoured to be on the move.

The Hornets are among those leading the chase for his signature, while London rivals Arsenal are also keen for the promising starlet, still aged just 23.

A Gabon international, Lemina was able to make just eight Serie A starts last season in a talented Juventus side, with teams like Watford – who almost signed him last summer – pleased to have interest from teams at the top.

(Photo by Cladio Pasquazi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

“I do not know if “moving on” is the right phrase. In any case, it’s time for me to play as much as I can and to be able to express myself on a personal level. At 23 years of age, I need to be playing regularly to show what I can do,” Lemina said.

“It will depend what Juve want and we’ll meet to decide that. We will decide together, talk honestly and we will see what we will do next season.

“For now, I still have three years of contract and I am very happy there, despite the fact that I do not have the playing time I wish to have.

“Of course that flatters me [the links with Watford and Arsenal]. Personally I never doubted my qualities but I’m at a very big club and it does not allow me to express myself as much as I’d like to.

“It’s flattering me that clubs are showing an interest.”